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Watermelon Health Benefits |
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Watermelon Nutrition And Health Benefits Of WatermelonWatermelon is a summer fruit, with a crunchy and crisp texture.
The pulp is red with a number of black or brown watermelon seeds. It is a close relative of pumpkin, cantaloupe and squash. Watermelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is grown in vines. Watermelon fruit is a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Vitamins A and C are seen in abundance.
Lycopene is seen to be present in pink colored watermelon. Lycopene also helps in the protection of DNA. The above mentioned antioxidants help in neutralizing the free radicals. This, in turn prevents oxidative damage. Free radicals have the ability to result in adherence of cholesterol to the arterial lumen.
This results in atherosclerotic plaques, which in turn results in atherosclerosis. Watermelon also helps in prevention of atherosclerosis.
Health Benefits Of WatermelonBeta carotene and ascorbic acid provide relief from airway constriction in the respiratory passage, which is typical of asthma. These nutrients also reduce the risk of colon cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Watermelon nutrition includes a high supply of potassium, which helps in the prevention of high blood pressure. It also decreases the risk of strokes. Potassium also helps in the regulation of the heart beat and reduction in the risk of renal stones. The incidence of lung, breast, prostate, colon and endometrial cancer is minimized by lycopene.
Watermelon is an effective snack time food, with a minimal caloric value. A cup of watermelon provides about 46 grams of calories. It is completely devoid of cholesterol and fat. A gram each of protein and dietary fiber is available in a cup of water melon. About 2mg of sodium and 170 mg of potassium are also seen to be present. Research reveals the combined effect of green tea and watermelon to be highly effective against prostate cancer. Individuals on a lycopene rich diet, such as apricots, tomatoes, guava, watermelon, papaya and pink grapefruit are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer.
Health benefits of eating watermelon include a very good supply of pyridoxine. It is also a good source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin B1.
Watermelon health benefits include energy production, which is due to its poor calorie and high water composition. Macular degeneration of the eyes, a common complication of old age is reduced by the consumption of three servings of watermelon, on a daily basis. Citrulline, an amino acid, is present in large amounts in watermelon, which is made use of for the synthesis of arginine. The latter enhances the insulin sensitivity, in diabetics.
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